The most valuable thing about Happy Hippo is that we are always explicit with every botanical we offer our clients. Ask anyone who uses our Kratom daily, and they will confidently say it has amplified their performance of mind and body in endless ways. All this is thanks to active compounds called alkaloids in the Kratom leaves.
Different Kratom vein strains have unique effects due to varying levels of alkaloids. But how will you know which alkaloids are in a certain strain or best for you to land particular results? Wait a minute! How many alkaloids does Kratom possess?
Today, we will explore the nitty-gritty of alkaloids in order to understand what makes Kratom a miracle herb in the world of natural supplements.
Disclaimer: Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, the authors of this text would like you to note that although this article contains many points regarding the use of Kratom, they should only serve as a piece of information - not medical advice.
Kratom is not intended to cure, diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
Make sure to speak to a physician if you have questions before using Kratom.
What Are Kratom Alkaloids?
Alkaloids are naturally occurring organic ingredients that feature at least one or more nitrogen atoms. Some alkaloids can also contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, bromine, chlorine, and phosphorus based on individual chemical structure.
Alkaloids are the most active compounds in Kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) plant. They are responsible for its therapeutic properties and psychoactive effects. Each alkaloid has its own unique structure and influence on the bodies of humans and animals.
What Are the Different Alkaloids in Kratom?
Kratom has over 40 alkaloids, each with peculiar properties. Let us discuss the most prominent ones.
Mitragynine
Mitragynine is an indole-based psychoactive and most abundant alkaloid in Kratom. Dried leaves of the botanical have total concentration of alkaloids ranging between 0.5 to 1.5%.
Different Kratom vein strains contain varying levels of mitragynine depending on where they were grown and cultivation methods. For instance, Thailand varieties feature the largest amounts of mitragynine – up to 66% of total alkaloid content while Malaysian strains have up to 12% of total alkaloids.
Strains with high quantities of mitragynine (mainly white and a few green and yellow vein strains) offer energizing, mental clarity and mood-boosting effects.
7-Hydroxymitragynine
7-Hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH alkaloid exists in very small amounts in Kratom. 7-OH occupies up to 2% of total alkaloid concentration in the plain leaf. Surprisingly, 7-OH is the most potent alkaloid and best for relaxing and discomfort-relieving effects.
7-hydroxymitragynine is a metabolite and an oxidized derivative of mitragynine. Mitragynine is converted to 7-OH through oxidation as the kratom plant matures.
For this reason, Red Vein Strains (created with fully mature plain leaf) contain huge amounts of this alkaloid. Green Vein and a few Yellow Vein or blended strains have balanced levels of mitragynine and 7-OH.
Speciogynine
Speciogynine is a diastereomer of mitragynine and one of the least potent Kratom alkaloid. It accounts for approximately 7% of total amount of alkaloids. Speciogynine’s mild discomfort-lowering properties make it an excellent remedy for smooth muscle relaxation.
This alkaloid is also believed to help establish balance in the overall Kratom effects and experience. Research on speciogynine is continuing in order to understand its specific effects and therapeutic potential.
Paynantheine
Paynantheine is also a minor Kratom alkaloid. It accounts for about 9% of total alkaloid content. Like other alkaloids, paynantheine concentration is different from one strain to another due to several factors, including source of the kratom leaf and harvesting time.
Limited study claims that paynantheine might have muscle-soothing and vasodilator properties.
Mitraphylline
Mitraphylline is another alkaloid that exists in tiny quantities in the Kratom leaves. Research claims that this ingredient has anti-inflammatory and discomfort-relieving properties.
Mitraphylline's mild potency makes it great for smooth muscle relaxation. Another study suggests that the alkaloid has potential for managing respiratory conditions and gastrointestinal disorders, though much research is needed to understand its mechanism of action.
Rhynchophylline
Kratom leaves have very low amounts of rhynchophylline. It is also found in other plant species in the Rubiaceae family. The alkaloid is well known when it comes to managing blood pressure levels and acting as a calcium channel blocker.
Some studies also claim that rhynchophylline can regulate sleep as well as serve to protect cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
The above list is not exhaustive since research on more alkaloids in Kratom is ongoing. Other notable alkaloids present in the botanical include:
- Speciociliatine
- Ajmalicine (Raubasine)
- Akuammigine
- Corynantheidine
- Corynoxeine
- Isomitrafoline
- Isomitraphylline
- Mitraciliatine
- 9-hydroxycorynantheidine
- Stipulatine
- Epicatechin and more
How Do Kratom Alkaloids Work?
Kratom alkaloids affect the body in different ways. In most cases, they work synergistically to deliver a wide range of effects and benefits. Essentially, they bind with particular opioid receptors in the body to generate varying effects depending on the serving size consumed.
For instance, green vein strains have perfectly balanced levels of alkaloids. That is why they strike a balance between energizing and relaxing effects.
How Are Kratom Alkaloids Extracted?
Sometimes you might want to use a product with high amounts of mitragynine and small quantities of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Alkaloids can be extracted from the kratom leaves or powder in various ways. The main purpose of extraction is to pull out and concentrate desired alkaloids in order to create potent products.
The most common techniques for extracting alkaloids are;
- Maceration, infusion, percolation, and decoction
- Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE)
- Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE)
- Solid phase microextraction (SPME)
What Affects the Concentration of Alkaloids in Kratom Leaves?
Several factors affect the alkaloid content of all Kratom strains. Scientists are still trying to understand precisely how each alkaloid in Kratom is created, but they have come up with the following factors that influence alkaloid amounts in different Kratom vein strains.
Soil Conditions
The living and non-living matter in soil significantly impact the final Kratom yields. Plants that grow in optimal soil conditions result in higher quantities of alkaloids.
Nitrogen exposure plays a vital role in the amount of alkaloids in Kratom. When soil or water around Kratom has high nitrogen quantities (or is infused with nitrogen), the botanical absorbs and uses it to create more alkaloids. Besides, nitrogen is a crucial nutrient – it helps plants grow better, healthier, and more vibrant.
The presence of certain bacteria and other microbiomes also dictate levels of alkaloids in Kratom leaves. Some bacteria are believed to stimulate the production of alkaloids helping the plants to grow bigger and healthier.
Also, the number of alkaloids in Kratom trees increases when salt content in soil is higher. Even so, relatively high salt levels in soil can negatively affect young Kratom trees.
Growing Environment
The growing location of Kratom also influences alkaloid content. The botanical grows naturally in Southeast Asia's fertile, mineral-rich, rainy, and humid forests, the perfect conditions for Kratom to flourish.
These regions have varying temperatures, humidity, altitude, and sunlight exposure, which affect the concentration of alkaloids in different strains. For instance, presence of enough sunlight can increase the levels of alkaloids in Kratom plants.
Time of Harvest
Different harvesting times of Kratom leaf are the major determining factor of alkaloid profile. This is because the chemical composition of the Kratom tree changes as it ages.
Young Kratom leaves, which have a white color, feature high levels of mitragynine and other alkaloids but low amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine. Green Vein Strains - made with vibrant, fresh plain leaves – have perfectly balanced quantities of alkaloids, while Red Kratom, which is made with fully mature leaves, contains enormous amounts of 7-hydroxymitragynine and low quantities of mitragynine.
Additionally, harvesting season and Kratom tree growth cycle play a role in the differing concentrations of alkaloids. The Kratom tree is greenest during the wet season, but interestingly, the number of alkaloids hit highest volumes during the dry season.
Post-Harvest Activities
Post-harvest procedures, including leaf drying, curing, grinding, alkaloids’ extraction, fermentation, packaging, and storage, can affect the final alkaloids content. A company must use state-of-the-art production processes from seed to sale to preserve freshness and potency of alkaloids.
For example, after grinding the leaves into finely smooth powder, it must be immediately packaged in secure, airtight containers or pouches and stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Kratom Strains With Highest Alkaloids Content
Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da is one of the most potent and popular kratom strains. It contains high amounts of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and other alkaloids.
Another notable property of Maeng Da is it produces strong effects without the jittery feeling associated with some strains. You will really enjoy the energetic vibes and enhanced creativity of this vein strain for a long time.
Red Bali Kratom (Red Dragon Bali)
Bali Kratom is loved for its relaxing and soothing effects. It contains large volumes of 7-hydroxymitragynine and low quantities of mitragynine.
So whenever you want to relax after a tiresome day or relieve discomfort, Red Vein Bali is the best strain. Bali Kratom is also ideal for first-time users.
Green Vein Malay Kratom (Elite Elephant)
Green Malay is well recognized for its long-lasting effects due to its high, balanced alkaloid profile. If you are trying to decide between the many different Kratom strains with smooth effects, just skip the hassle and turn to our Green Malay. It has never disappointed our repeat customers.
You will get a moderate rejuvenating aroma coupled with diverse range of effects that will make you love Kratom more.
Thai Kratom
There are a lot of Kratom strains in the industry, but Thai Vein Strain is in a class of itself. You can count on its effects, quality, and potency due to its substantial alkaloid quantities.
Whenever you source your leaf from Happy Hippo, you get capsules or powder that is above the average products offered in the market. Whatever your needs – heightening your energy, boosting mood, mental clarity, relaxing or relieving discomfort, Thai Kratom will do wonders.
Green Borneo Kratom (Happy Hippo I)
If you are torn between a fast and slow strain with high alkaloid content plus well-rounded effects, we suggest you use our Green Vein Borneo. We refer to Green Borneo effects as the best of both worlds.
It is because it offers stimulating and relaxing effects in the most effective way for enjoyable and elevated Kratom wellness.
Parting Words
Many Kratom strains with high alkaloid profile deliver potent effects for beneficial kratom well-being. If you want to benefit the most, practice responsible Kratom usage.
Happy Hippo has the best Kratom products. We employ highly controlled production processes, from sourcing the leaf, independent lab testing, and neat packaging to labeling. We check all the boxes for top-shelf Kratom products and other botanicals.
Our premium botanicals make our customers happy, enthusiastic, and 100% satisfied. Buy Kratom from us and enjoy clean, jittery-free energy, relaxation, or discomfort relief for heightened well-being.
Contact us today to secure first-class products, expert opinions, and educational Kratom resources.
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